Barton, Robert
Robert Edward Barton, a journalist for many years with the New Haven Register and former New Haven Journal-Courier and also with The Detroit News, died Jan. 13 at home in Farmington.
He worked at newspapers as a reporter, editor or training officer and, after retirement, wrote a Register column, "Catching Up," specializing in interviews with former Connecticut sports figures.
Born in Troy, N.Y., the son of the late Nora (Mann) and Edward Barton of Delmar, N.Y., he was 83. His professional career included a stint managing communications at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.
Bob was a 1953 graduate of Albany (N.Y.) Academy and a 1957 graduate of Yale University and also studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
He was a walking encyclopedia of Yale football history and of statistics for high school football teams in Connecticut; each year Bob helped update high school statistics for publication. To assist others who phoned or emailed him sports queries, if he couldn't provide an answer immediately, he would consult his basement collection of clippings, game programs and team statistics or visit newspaper archives at the Connecticut State Library.
Active in the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance, he received its Art McGinley Award for meritorious service and for 12 years was its scholarship chairman. He was a member of the New Haven Gridiron Club, which honors local high school and college football players, officials and administrators.
In recent years he became a book editor when several author friends relied on him to catch factual and grammatical errors and contribute ideas.
He was also a walking Biblical concordance, easily able to cite the location of scriptural references. This interest resulted in his serving occasionally as guest preacher at the Northford Congregational Church in North Branford, the town where he lived for 25 years. He currently was a monthly leader of services at the Avon Health Center and was an enthusiastic singer of hymns when others were in charge.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judith (Freund) Barton. They enjoyed traveling together, most recently to Cuba. Because Bob's father was born in England and came to this country as a child, Bob kept in touch with relatives still in Britain and visited with them there or on their visits here.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, in First Church of Christ, Congregational, 1652, at 75 Main St., Farmington. Please consider donating to Christian Community Action, 168 Davenport Ave., New Haven, CT 06519 or to a local food pantry. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
June 9, 2020
Friend
Jack Dolan
June 9, 2020. Sadly, I just learned today of My friend, Bob Barton.'s passing a year ago in January at a time when I was away in Florida for a few months Bob was a true giant of journalism and one of the best people I have ever known. He is already greatly missed and will be in my thoughts and prayers. Well done with your life, Bob. My sympathy to your wife, Judy, and all your friends and family! -- Jack Dolan Wallingford, CT
July 11, 2019
Food For The Poor, Inc. Legacy & Planned Giving
On behalf of Food For The Poor, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robert E. Barton, who was a true friend of ours and of the poor whom we serve. Robert's support has brought lifesaving help and hope to the poorest of the poor, which is a legacy to be honored. May God's peace be with you all during this time of separation.
February 7, 2019
Food For The Poor, Inc. Planned Giving Department
On behalf of Food For The Poor, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robert Barton, who was a true friend of ours and of the poor whom we serve. Robert's support has brought lifesaving help and hope to the poorest of the poor, which is a legacy to be honored. May God's peace be with you all during this time of separation.
January 19, 2019
ray hoye
Condolences to Judy and her family. I worked with Bob for many years. He tutored me when I succeeded him as Weekend News editor for the Register in 1969. A great newsman.
Ray Hoye Vero Beach, Fla.
January 17, 2019
Dick BLAKESLEE
Bob was a good man and a terrific writer, always fair and fun to read.I'll be happy to pray for Bob and his family and so sad to hear of his death.
January 17, 2019
Bob always loved The Reverend Dr. Douglas Nelson of the First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, and made special effort to attend his lectures. Please accept my condolences Anita Malone Shaffer
January 17, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family. As you remember your beloved one. May our father the God of all comfort give you comfort and peace in every way. - Psalms 94:18,19
GB
January 17, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss, there are very difficult time, yet bible in jonh chapter 5:28-29 give us a beautiful hope. I hope that this can bring you comfort
January 17, 2019
Rev Duke MCAlpine
,God Bless U BOB!!!!
January 16, 2019
Bob Barton was a great writer, reporter, and editor, who had so much respect for language and correct grammar. He had a vivid memory for games, events, scores, and the people involved. Writing as well as he did has become a lost art that cannot be matched. Those who follow can only hope to come close.
They don't come like Bob Barton any more. The press box at the Yale Bowl will look empty without him.
Joel Alderman, Milford, CT
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